Armed police to patrol England vs France friendly at Wembley amid heightened security after Paris attacks

Heavy security: The Met Police have asked supporters to be the police's "eyes and ears"

Armed officers will be deployed at Wembley for the England vs France football match in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
The friendly is being played tomorrow night, just fours days after the co-ordinated strikes across the French capital that saw at least 129 people murdered.
Around 70,000 supporters are expected to attend, while Kensington Palace this evening confirmed The Duke of Cambridge will also be present.
Fans going to the game have been told to expect an increased police presence at transport hubs and "in and around" the stadium, including armed officers.

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Armed police will be in attendance tomorrow night

Deputy assistant commander Peter Terry, from the Met's Specialist Crime and Operations Command, said: "We've reassessed what security we think we need for tomorrow night's occasion, which will of course be a fairly sombre occasion especially considering who we're playing."
Paris attacks - the aftermath:

 

Mr Terry said no specific threat had been made against the match but asked fans to be the police's "eyes and ears".
He urged supporters who notice anything of concern to approach their nearest police officer, ring the counter-terrorism hotline or call 999.
Speaking outside Scotland Yard's headquarters, Mr Terry said: "We've assessed what happened in France and we've changed what the appearance of the security will look like tomorrow.

Fans will be flocking down Wembley Way tomorrow night with around 70,000 supporters expected

"People travelling to and from the ground will see additional police officers at transport modes, they will see additional police officers on the walk up Olympic Way to the stadium, and in and around the stadium they will see armed officers, which is something they wouldn't normally see.
"I won't say that's the first time it's been deployed at a football match, but you will see officers out on foot carrying firearms tomorrow night."
There will be more police officers on horses and with dogs as part of the beefed up security operation, he added.

Action Images via Reuters

Tribute: England manager Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney with FA Chief Executive Officer Martin Glenn during this afternoon's press conference

Earlier, the FA urged fans to arrive early for England vs France at Wembley tomorrow night amid tighter security around the stadium following Friday's terror attacks in Paris.
Chief executive Martin Glenn says the match "starts at five to eight, not eight o'clock" with a number of tributes, including singing the French national anthem, taking place ahead of the official start time.
Wembley's arch will shine in red, white and blue while a minute's silence will also be held prior to kick-off.
Increased security will be put in place for the expected 70,000 crowd with all bags checked before anybody enters the stadium.
"We'd like fans to turn up a bit earlier as there will be more security checks and police around the area," Glenn said this afternoon.

 

"7.55pm is when the game will really begin as we show our solidarity with France."
Glenn and England manager Roy Hodgson emphasised that the football game was secondary to the importance of showing solidarity to France and those affected by terrorism.
The FA chief executive said: “The global nature of the game is really important. The match tomorrow is going to have big global importance. It’s important to show terrorism can’t win. The eyes of the world will be on Wembley tomorrow.

Hodgson insisted the game wasn't important: “We can’t deny there is something hanging over this game far greater than a football match.
“I’ve never been in a football game like this before.”
Captain Wayne Rooney also paid tribute to those who had lost their lives saying it will be tough for all involved.
"It’s an incredibly sad time. Having teammates from my club there as well. It’s hard for everyone, including ourselves. We have to try and be as respectful as we can. Then there’s obviously a football match," the striker explaind.
“It will be tough for the French players but it’s a chance for them to do their country proud.”

SOURCE: MIRROR